School Branding – Varndean School

School Branding – Varndean School Rebrand

The Brief

Varndean School is a large secondary school in Brighton, England. In 2012 it restructured into 4 constituent schools, each with its own Head and Deputy head – a ‘4 schools in 1’ system. A school branding project was commissioned to communicate this change, but also to update the image of the school.

The Outcome

Varndean school has featured dolphins in every incarnation of their logo since it was founded in 1884. Dolphins are also featured in the Brighton and Hove Crest, so we made an effort to stick with the dolphin theme, but to do something modern and different.

We responded to the ‘4 Schools in 1’ system with the idea of 4 dolphins all jumping together, around a fixed axis. The dolphin mark was then artworked into a set of marks for every type of application from website to school tie.

We then helped to give each constituent school its own visual identity by consulting on who to name each school after, then creating a colour palette, pattern, badge and flag for each.

The Client’s Response

‘We’re absolutely delighted with the rebranding. What it shows is four equal schools, four equal entities moving in the same direction. They’re separate and yet they’re joined. It says all we wanted to say about the School.’